Casing-splitter



(No Model.)

B. MASSETH.

GASING SPLITTER.

WITNESSES. k b

Patented 00h28, `1890.

5 INVENTOR.

rn: mums Pneus m., ruo'rwumm, msnm Tau n UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

BENJAMIN MASSETH, OF BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA.

CASING-SPLITTER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 439,167, dated October 28, 1890.

Application filed June 4, 1890. Serial No. 354,210. (No model.)

To all whom t may concern.-

Be it known that I, BENJAMIN MAssETII, of Butler, in the county of Butler and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Casing-Splitters, of which the following is a full, clear, and exactdescription, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specifcation, in which- Figure 1 is a side elevation of my apparatus in position in the casing of a deep well before projection of the cutting bit or tool. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same, viewed in the direction of the arrowo. in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a vertical section showing the bit projected and in operation in splitting the casing. Fig. 4 is a vertical section on the line IV IV of Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a horizontal crosssection on the line V V of Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a horizontal cross-section on the line VI VI of Fig. 3.

Like symbols of reference indicate like parts in each.

In the drawings, 2 represents the stock of the splitting-tool, provided at the upper end with a threaded portion 3, by which it may be attached to and let with a string of tools *into the casing 1 in the well. The stock is provided with an inclined longitudinal groove 4, in which the cutting-tool head 5 is mounted and is longitudinally movable. In such longitudinal movement the tool-head is guided by inclined guide grooves or slots 6, in which pins 7 on the tool-head fit, so that by reason of the inclination of the slots when the toolhead is at one end of the groove, as shown in Fig. 3, it is at the lateral surface of the stock, with the cutting-bit 8 projectinglaterally beyond the same, while when the head is at the other end of the slot, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the cutting-bit is retracted. The bit is set in a recess at the side of the tool-head and is held therein by suitable means, such as a pin or rivet 9.

Casing-splitters constructed in this manner have been used prior to the date of my invention. This is illustrated in United States Patent No. 136,992, granted to H. Harris on March 18, 187 3, in which there is shown a casing-splitting tool like that above described, and provided with a cord which extends to the top of the well, so that by pulling itthe cutting-bit shall be raised in the groove and projected into operative contact with the casing. y In order to dispense with such cord and to enable the bit to be projected by operation of the string of tools to which the casing-splitter is connected, I employ the following means:

10 is a rod or stem,which extends longitudinally through the stock 2, one end being secured to the tool-head by a swivel-joint,

constituted, preferably, by an enlargement or head b on the rod fitting in a transverse slot which is formed at theY end of the tool-head and is enlarged at its inner portion to receive and hold the enlargement at the end of the rod. This construction not only permits the rod to turn on its longitudinal axis, but also permits free outward movement of the tool-head.

11 11 are studs or projections formed on or attached to the rod at opposite points.

12 12 are longitudinal groovesformed in the stock around the rod, through which the studs can move freely, and 13 13 are opposite notches formed at the endof the stock, into which the studs can t, and by engagement with the ends of the notches can prevent longitudinal motion of the rod within the stock. These studs and the notches constitute a detachable bayonet-lock for the rod.

For convenience sake, I prefer to form the notches 13 and the ends of the grooves 12 in a socket or plug 14, made separate from and adapted to be Iitted to the end of the stock,

and I may make the ends of the grooves 12 flaring, as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 3, to facilitate the entrance of the studs.

At the end of the rod or stem 10 is a brake formed, preferably, of curved spring-plates projecting to opposite sides of the rod and adapted to bear on the sides of the casing. n

The operation is as follows: When it is desired to split the casing in a deep well, the stock 2 is attached to a string o'f tools and is let down into the casing. The parts are then in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the tool-head 5 .being at the lower end of the groove 4, and the studs 11 fitting in the IOO notches 13 and serving to prevent upward motion of the rod or stem and the tool-head within the stock. IVhen the cutting-tool has been lowered to the place in the casing which it is desired to cut, the string of tools is lifted somewhat, and by reason of the friction exerted by the brake 15 on the casing, which prevents the rod or stein from rising easily, the studs are drawn lengthwise from the notches. The string of tools is then turned axially (the friction of the brake preventing the rod or stem from turning with them) until the grooves 12 are brought opposite to the studs. The tools are then lowered in the casing and the grooves 12 slide down over the studs, (see Fig. 4,) which with the rod or stein and the tool-head are held stationary by the brake until the end of the groove 4c nears the end of the tool-head, the tool-head and bit being then projected against the casing. Then by jarring down on the tools by means of the usual jarring apparatus the bit is caused to out through the casing, as shown in Fig. 3, and by continuing the jarring a vertical cut of any desired length may be made in the casing. Vhen the cutting operation is concluded, the tool may be drawn up out of the casing without difficulty, for as soon as the toolstock is lifted the toolhead will be brought to the bottom of the groove 4, and

thereby retracted.

The advantages of my invention will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The -device is simple and strong in its construction, is easily operated, and affords a most efficient means for performing the' Work for which it is intended.

In form and relative arrangement of parts the apparatus may be modi tied in various ways by the skilled mechanic.

1. Inaoasing-splitter, the combination,With the tool-stock, of a cutting-bit movable in the stock into engagement with the casing, and a longitudinally-movable stein connected with the bit and having a projection adapted to move in a longitudinal groove or passage in the stock and to engage the stock when it is removed laterally from said groove or passage, said stein being rotatory within the stock, whereby on moving the stem longitudinally and partially turning the same it may be detachably locked, substantially as and for the purposes described.

2. Inacasing-splitter,.theco1nbination,with the tool-stock, of a cutting-bit movable in the stock into engagement with the casing, a longitudinally-movable rotatory stein connected with the bit, and a bayonet-lock on the stock and stem, whereby the stem may be held to the stock and may be released therefrom by partially turning the stock, substantially as and for the purposes described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 28th day of May, A. D. 1890.`

BENJAMIN MASSETH.

Vitn esses:

W. B. CORWIN, H. M. CORWIN. 

